The Evaluation of Spatial Justice in Redevelopment of Urban Spaces; Case study: Atigh Local Plan in the City of Tabriz

Statement of the Problem: Currently, there is no concencus on the definition of spatial justice in urbanism. This indicates that the former concept is influenced by the social and political conditions, and the worldviews of various societies. Blind acceptance of any of the West-borne conceptions may result in deviation of Iranian urbanization and, consequently, deviation of urban plans from their main objective as manifestation of the ideals of the school of Islam in urban spaces. The main purpose of this research, is: To offer a framework for spatial justice based on ideas of Muslim scholars in the field of urban planning; and to understand how the Atigh local plan in Tabriz city achieve spatial justice The present study is a developmental one and its methods in the explanatory section imply using a logical reasoning approach while in evaluation sections an analytic-descriptive approach has been adopted. For the purpose of collection of required research data, we have used the methods of documentation and surveying using questionnaires. Findings of the Study: It is argued that the main focus of justice among Muslim thinkers is: "Rightfulness, Opposing-oppression, Fairness, and Human Dignity". According to these four key features, spatial justice in urban planning can be characterized in four key criteria: "the right to the city, social mobilization, spatial balance, and empowerment." Findings of this research show that the Atigh local plan has not been successful in achieving the spatial justice. This plan has mitigated the existing inequalities through distributive justice, but has neglected the reformation of power structures and decision-making processes. Additionally, it can lead to increased civil dissatisfaction in practice.